Project Goal- To build disaster resilient community through anticipatory and alternative livelihood
actions.
Project Area- Mogolbasha Union, Kurigram Sadar Upazila, Kurigram District, Bangladesh.
Project Outcome-
• Increased flood adaptive capabilities by reducing the vulnerability of the communities.
• Enabled adaptive livelihoods for targeted people in flood-prone areas.
Implementation Strategies of Good Neighbors DRR Project
- Community Youth
- Ward WDMC/UDMC
- Coordinating relevant movement agency
- With governments, NGOs
- International organizations
- Electronic fund transfer (FbF, IGA support)
- Use SNS for EWMD
Improvements in community resilience/adaptation to reduction in flood-related losses.
Long-term benefits for the local population.
Major Achievements
• Community volunteers’ group selection was carried out in the working area, resulting in the selection of 20 volunteers, who received training on Disaster Preparedness.
• 500 beneficiaries (25 groups with 40 persons in each group) received training on Disaster Preparedness, covering topics such as WASH, nutrition, health, and preserving resources.
• 500 beneficiaries were trained on forecast based financing (FbF) with introduction and management of electronic fund transfers.
• During the flood situation, 500 beneficiaries were supported with anticipatory financial support based on forecasts through Bkash (online money transfer system).
• Seven community-readable flood markers were installed in the targeted area.
• Conducive materials (life jackets, buoys, megaphones, flashlights, etc.) were distributed to 20 volunteers through the Union Parishad (local government) and Mock drills on flood preparedness were arranged successfully two times.
• We arranged four quarterly coordination meetings with key members of local government Disaster Management Committees (UDMC, WDMC, and volunteers).
• Entrepreneurship Development Training (EDT) on flood adaptive livelihood activities was arranged for 500 beneficiaries.
• 500 beneficiaries received IGA skill development training on various activities, including goat rearing, sheep rearing, duck rearing, chicken rearing, tailoring, small business, and agriculture.
• IGA cash support: All beneficiaries received IGA cash support of BDT 7,000 for their IGA purposes. Specifically, 153 beneficiaries received support for goat rearing, 9 beneficiaries for sheep rearing, 97 beneficiaries for agriculture, 50 beneficiaries for poultry rearing, 53 beneficiaries for duck rearing, 62 beneficiaries for small business, 17 beneficiaries for sewing machines, 17 beneficiaries for chicken and duck rearing, and 42 beneficiaries for goat rearing and vermicomposting.
• Established linkages with government and non-government service providers, involving about 5 organizations and 32 participants.
• 20 beneficiary group leaders and 7 guests attended a workshop with local market actors to create value for their products.
Project Impact
1. The successful completion of the CRAD project has fostered a strong partnership with relevant government offices, ensuring long-term support for beneficiaries’ sustainability.
2. The community is effectively applying the knowledge and skills gained to enhance disaster preparedness and response.
3. Women in the community are adopting climate- and flood-resilient livelihood practices, significantly contributing to their family incomes.
4. The market linkage among product buyers and raw materials suppliers established through this project ensured fair price for the women entrepreneurs.
Today, I stand as an inspiring figure in my community. I am grateful to Good Neighbors Bangladesh for their unwavering support, without which I might not have achieved self-sufficiency. I aspire to become a successful entrepreneur recognized for my contributions to the local economy.
Good Neighbors Bangladesh CRAD Project has greatly contributed to my self-reliance. I am very much grateful to them. My daughters can go to school and we have financial solvency at home. I wan to expand my business and become a successful entrepreneur, who can contribute for the community.
Comparative Data
Lesson Learnt and Challenges
- 1. Forming community-based committees and involving local volunteers in training and awareness programs enhanced ownership and sustainability.
- 2. Utilizing multiple communication channels, including radio broadcasts, mobile phone alerts, and community meetings, helps reach a broader audience. Visual aids and local languages were crucial for effective communication.
- 3. Engaging local leaders and influencers in the planning and implementation stages helped gain community trust and acceptance. Demonstrating the tangible benefits of DRR activities encouraged wider adoption
- 1. Implement the project activities -based on activities calendars
- 2. Poor infrastructure and logistical challenges, such as inaccessible roads during floods, can hinder timely implementation and response.
- 3. Electricity power supplies damages during flood and cyclone time online communication and mobile communication interrupted on that time